beating, a mode of punishment common in the East. It is referred to by "the rod of correction" ( Proverbs 22:15 ), "scourging" ( Leviticus 19:20 ), "chastising" ( Deuteronomy 22:18 ). The number of blows could not exceed forty ( Deuteronomy 25:2 Deuteronomy 25:3 ).

These dictionary topics are from
M.G. Easton M.A., D.D., Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Third Edition,
published by Thomas Nelson, 1897. Public Domain, copy freely.